King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 21:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 21:19 in the King James Version says “And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. Jaareoregim: or, Jair

2 Samuel 21:19 · KJV


Context

17

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. light: Heb. candle, or, lamp

18

And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. the giant: or, Rapha Saph: or, Sippai

19

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam. Jaareoregim: or, Jair

20

And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature , that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. the giant: or, Rapha

21

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him. defied: or, reproached


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Beth-lehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Famine and Giants, emphasizing justice, covenant obligations. The three-year famine traced to Saul's treaty violation demonstrates God's demand for covenant faithfulness and justice. The execution of Saul's descendants and Rizpah's faithful vigil over their bodies presents complex ethical questions. The Philistine giant battles demonstrate ongoing threats. Theological themes include multi-generational covenant obligations, the high cost of treaty violations, God's demand for justice, and His provision of strength for continued battles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 21 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding justice, covenant obligations provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of justice, covenant obligations?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַתְּהִי1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ע֧וֹד2 of 20
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הַמִּלְחָמָ֛ה3 of 20

And there was again a battle

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

בְּג֖וֹב4 of 20

in Gob

H1359

gob, a place in palestine

עִם5 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים6 of 20

with the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיַּ֡ךְ7 of 20

slew

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶלְחָנָן֩8 of 20

where Elhanan

H445

elchanan, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 20

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יַעְרֵ֨י10 of 20
H0
אֹֽרְגִ֜ים11 of 20

of Jaareoregim

H3296

jaare-oregim, an israelite

בֵּ֣ית12 of 20
H0
הַלַּחְמִ֗י13 of 20

a Bethlehemite

H1022

a beth-lechemite, or native of bethlechem

אֵ֚ת14 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גָּלְיָ֣ת15 of 20

the brother of Goliath

H1555

goljath, a philistine

הַגִּתִּ֔י16 of 20

the Gittite

H1663

a gittite or inhabitant of gath

וְעֵ֣ץ17 of 20

the staff

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

חֲנִית֔וֹ18 of 20

of whose spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

כִּמְנ֖וֹר19 of 20

beam

H4500

a yoke (properly, for plowing), i.e., the frame of a loom

אֹֽרְגִֽים׃20 of 20

was like a weaver's

H707

to plait or weave


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 21:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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